What is health insurance?
Health insurance is a way to pay for health care. It means not having to pay the full costs of medical services when you’re injured or sick (which can be VERY VERY expensive). You pick a plan based on the type of health care services you think you may need and pay a monthly fee, called a premium. In return, your health insurer agrees to pay a portion of your covered medical costs.
Each plan is different, but most plans cover preventive care, like doctor visits and screenings, as well as hospital visits, ER trips, and even prescription drugs. Some plans cover vision and dental, but you may need to pay for these plans separately.
*Many of you probably have the green Family Pact Card. That is NOT insurance. That only works in California and only covers the cost of family planning services, like birth control.
Why is health insurance important?
No one plans to get sick or hurt, but most people need medical care at some point. Unfortunately, medical care can be EXPENSIVE!!! According to Healthcare.gov, the average cost of a 3-day hospital stay is $30,000!!!! And fixing a broken leg can cost up to $7,500!!!! Having health insurance means you only have to pay a small portion of that.
So, how do I get health insurance?
Fortunately, there are now more ways to get health insurance than ever before. Some people can get health insurance where they work. However, there are many people whose jobs don’t offer health insurance or who aren’t working. It used to be that those people simply had to hope they didn’t get sick or injured but now, there is the Affordable Care Act (often referred to as Obama Care).
The Affordable Care Act means that everyone can now purchase health insurance (meaning you don’t need to have a job that offers it). Also, it doesn’t matter whether or not you have already been diagnosed with an illness. No matter what is going on in your life, you can get health insurance. There is even financial assistance for those who qualify!!
In order to get health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, you need to apply by March 31, 2014 (or you will have to wait another year before you can apply and get covered). Don’t worry, there is no reason you will be denied and remember, there is financial assistance for those who qualify so don’t let cost scare you from applying.
• For those in California, visit Covered California and fill out an application. For those outside of California, visit Healthcare.gov and fill out an application.
• Choose a health plan based on your budget and your individual health needs. Don’t worry; there are a lot of options and financial assistance if you qualify.
How do I choose the right health insurance plan?
Check on this video that can help answer that question!
For more information:
• Check out Healthcare.gov or CoveredCA.com
• Call 1-800-300-1506
You can get help from certified enrollment counselors!
I know this can be confusing but there is a lot of help out there. Go online or pick up the phone. Deadline is March 31, 2014!
In happiness & health,
Shawna
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